Bolton Wanderers was founded in 1874 as Christ Church FC, changing the name to Bolton Wanderers in 1877. The name Wanderers was chosen as the club had moved its home ground so many times, having used three venues in its first four years of existence.

The club was one of the twelve founder members of the Football League, which was formed in 1888. The club moved to the Reebok Stadium in 1997, moving from former home Burnden Park where they had played since 1895.

Bolton Wanderers greatest success has been in the FA Cup; the club has appeared in seven finals, winning on four occasions. In 1953 Bolton played in one of the most famous FA Cup finals of all time – The Stanley Matthews Final of 1953. Bolton lost the game to Blackpool 4–3 after leading at one stage 3–1.